Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky

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Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky

Unread postby gillmang » Sat Jun 20, 2009 6:34 pm

This is (one of) distiller and vintner John Hall's mingling of well-matured rye, corn and barley whiskies. Light nose of matured wood and caramel and a full-bodied (for Canadian whisky) taste informed by spicy rye grain, wood and faint charred flavours. Also, a faint fruity character is there. Some ethanol in the finish. Past bottlings seemed more sherryish to me; if ex-sherry barrels are still used to finish the whisky they are used with restraint, to good effect. The mouthfeel and finish are smooth indeed. An excellent craft version of Canadian whisky. Needs careful sipping to appreciate its nuances. A true winemaker's "meritage" whisky. Well done, Mr. Hall.

Gary
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Re: Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky

Unread postby Mike » Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:32 pm

Gary, I am certainly with you on this one. I have not had it in a while and when I saw your comments I remembered that I had liked it. Your comments are right on the mark. It seems to have a bit more body than most 80 proof Canadian whiskies and sits in the shadow of the vine (from the sherry casks??). The aroma bends more toward the whiskey spectrum, with not much hint of the subtle influence of the grape (and barley?) that appears in the taste.

This is a flavorful and balanced whiskey, soft sweetness and gentle spiciness take it to the house.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas
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Re: Forty Creek Barrel Select Whisky

Unread postby gillmang » Mon Aug 17, 2009 9:55 pm

I agree Mike. The vine casts a shadow, but just barely. I believe it comes from finishing in sherry casks. The cool thing is, distiller/vintner John Hall makes his own sherry, so it is an all-Ontario product.

John L.: The Loyalists brought the true rye whiskey to Canada (your great theory of some years back). We send whisky back in tribute today, stylish and different but very good of its kind.

It would be interesting I think to make a blend of straight whiskeys in this style. In fact that is what I think Melrose's star product was, in effect.

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